The House of Hikmah demo launches for Steam Next Fest

Indie developer Lunacy Studios has launched a free demo for The House of Hikmah on Steam, as reported by Bleeding Cool. The narrative-driven 3D adventure game, set during the Islamic Golden Age, will be featured in Steam Next Fest starting next week, giving players an early chance to experience Maya's journey through the House of Wisdom.

A culturally resonant adventure

The House of Hikmah stands out for its unique setting in the Islamic Golden Age and its House of Wisdom backdrop. Players control Maya, a 14-year-old girl exploring grief following her father's death, as she navigates nine distinct worlds inspired by historical Islamic scholars and their discoveries. The game features full voice acting in both English and Arabic, making it particularly appealing to regional audiences.

Maya wields a mysterious device left by her father to transform matter and solve physics-based puzzles. Players can glide through wind channels, transmute metal to tip scales, walk through walls of immaterial ether, and bend light through glass as they progress through the story.

What the demo offers

The free demo gives players a taste of the game's unique mechanics and storytelling approach. According to Bleeding Cool's preview, the demo showcases how the game handles platforming, puzzles, and narrative elements, all brought together with a fully voiced cast. The demo is available now on Steam and will be part of the upcoming Steam Next Fest.

The game's approach to combining cultural heritage with engaging gameplay mechanics sets it apart from other indie games. Players meet legendary scholars brought to life through meaningful conversations that blend entertainment with educational elements about scientific and philosophical teachings.

Regional appeal and availability

For UAE and MENA region players, The House of Hikmah offers something rare in gaming: full Arabic voice acting and a setting that celebrates Islamic intellectual heritage. The game's focus on the House of Wisdom, a historical centre of learning in Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age, provides cultural context that will resonate strongly with regional audiences.

The demo is freely available on Steam with no regional restrictions, allowing UAE players to experience the game immediately. While full game pricing and release dates haven't been announced, the Arabic localisation suggests the developers are considering regional audiences in their launch plans.

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